10 Principles of Yogic Parenting (for busy mums)
May 07, 2024
On good days, the path of parenting intertwines beautifully with the path of yoga. This fusion can offer a unique perspective to mothers who are navigating the challenges and joys of raising children.
On the challenging days the desire to be more ‘yogic’ can leave us feeling that we’re failing as parents and apply yet more pressure.
My invitation is that the path of yoga be a gentle one that leads you to your own self-care and wellness first so that you can show up as the best version of yourself in the role of ‘mum’. Be kind to yourself. You’re human too!
I’ve come up with 10 ‘connection’ points around parenting and yoga, here we go:
- Presence - Just like in yoga, where being present on the mat is crucial, in parenting, being fully present with your children creates a strong bond. It’s about giving them your undivided attention, listening deeply, and being there in the moment with them. It’s the practice of mindfulness, appreciating the little moments that are so fleeting. Having rules around mobile phone use around kids can help with this (Full disclosure: I fail at this one all the time!).
- Patience – For a mum like me whose dominant ayurvedic dosha is pitta (fire, fire, fire) this is one of the biggest challenges. Yoga teaches us to be patient with our self-development, to accept that progress takes time. Similarly, parenting requires an abundance of patience. Children learn and grow at their own pace, and being patient with them helps foster a loving and supportive environment. Every season of parenting passes so fast even when it feels like it will go on forever.
- Flexibility - On the mat, we aim to increase our physical flexibility, but yoga also teaches us mental flexibility—being open to change and adapting with grace. In parenting, this means being willing to adjust your expectations and approaches as your children grow and their needs evolve. An awareness that every child is not the same (and may require different parenting) is also helpful.
- Non-judgment - Yoga encourages us to practice non-judgment towards ourselves and others. As parents, adopting a non-judgmental attitude helps us to accept our children as they are, recognising their unique paths without comparing them to others or imposing our own unmet desires on them. Holding our children in sacred space without dumping out needs and expectations on them allows them to flourish (watch out for hoping your children will fulfil your dharma too!).
- Self-care - Yoga is a form of self-care, reminding us that taking care of our own well-being is essential. For mothers, prioritising self-care is crucial; it’s the oxygen-mask principle. You need to be well to effectively care for others. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. This includes having work or hobbies outside of your role as a mother.
- Strength - Yoga builds inner and outer strength, teaching us that true strength is balanced with gentleness. In parenting, it’s about having the strength to set boundaries and guide our children, while also being gentle and understanding of their needs and emotions. You are not always meant to be popular with your children (you’re not their ‘friend’) but they should always know they are loved.
- Breath control - Pranayama, or breath control, is a key aspect of yoga, helping to calm the mind. For mothers, using breath control can be a powerful tool in managing stress and staying calm in the midst of parenting challenges. Inhale LET and exhale GO. Which brings us to …
- Letting go - Yoga teaches us the art of letting go, whether it’s of physical tension or mental clutter. In parenting, learning to let go is about not holding on to the small stuff, and understanding that perfection is not the goal. It’s about embracing imperfection and finding joy in the messy bits.
- Gratitude - Practicing gratitude is central to yoga, focusing on the abundance in our lives. As parents, cultivating a sense of gratitude for the big and small moments can transform our perspective, helping us to see the beauty in the everyday. This is part of the yogic ethic of ‘santosha’ or contentment.
- Connection - Yoga is about connecting with oneself, and through parenting, we find a deep connection with our children. This bond is nurtured through love, empathy, and understanding, reflecting the unity and oneness that yoga teaches us.
Remember, the journey of parenting, much like the path of yoga, is unique to each individual. It’s about finding what resonates with you and your family, and embracing the journey with an open heart and mind.
For more on parenting and the path of yoga join our Bhakti Club community www.bhaktirose.com.au/bhakticlub
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